Dame Kelly Holmes opens University buildings

OLYMPIC champion Dame Kelly Holmes DBE MBE opened the University of Bedfordshire’s campus centre and new student accommodation on Thursday (November 10).

The double gold Olympic champion unveiled special plaques at the two buildings which are part of the University’s £180m development programme.

Vice Chancellor Professor Les Ebdon CBE DL welcomed her to the Campus Centre and Chief Executive of Campus Living Villages UK Gary Clarke was there to show her round Fitzroy Court halls in Vicarage Street.

Dame Kelly said: “I’m really pleased to be here – I love the people and the energy here at the University and we share the same ethos and values about inspiring the next generation.

“We at the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust are delighted that the University has signed up for a second year as an associate sponsor of our charity and it is great to be here to see these fantastic facilities and to continue our partnership.

“Good facilities always help to inspire and there is a real spring in the step of students here. They’re very lucky to live and work in such exciting, modern buildings.”

Professor Ebdon said: “We are a University which puts students at the heart of university life and I am delighted to say the new Campus Centre does just that. All the things which matter to students, including the Students’ Union of course, are now based here in this fantastic building under one roof.”

The next phase in the University’s investment programme includes a new postgraduate and continuing professional development centre which is on track to open in 2013.